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Archive for the ‘Renewable Energy’ Category

Have you considered using renewable energy? You have heard all the buzz and now it is really something that many people are beginning to become more and more interested in. The reasons are clear — we absolutely cannot rely on fossil fuels for the world’s energy much longer! Not only are they becoming more expensive, they’re also damaging to the earth in more ways than one.

Due to economics it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to afford rising oil prices these days. It doesn’t matter whether you are in one of the poorest countries in the world, or in one of the most affluent — people are having trouble paying for fossil fuels. That’s not even to mention the fact that the methods of getting these fossil fuels can be quite damaging to the earth, and to the workers who get the fuel. Once the fuel is used, it can sometimes be damaging to the environment.

Fossil fuels are becoming so harmful to the world, in fact, that there are wars being fought over them. People are needlessly giving up their lives in order to provide these fossil fuels for the world’s energy. Unfortunately, there is no clear way to stop this problem except for finding different sources of energy.

There are two renewable sources of energy that are your best bets these days. It’s actually not as difficult to implement as many people believe it to be — these sources of energy renew time and time again. We are talking about the sun, and the wind!

The sun is probably the most commonly thought of source, and solar panels are even popular in some products that can be purchased today. The sun comes out reliably each morning, and it can be an excellent way to gather energy for your entire home, or for travel.

If you live in a windy area, you can certainly make use of the wind in order to produce energy. This energy can also be used to power the electricity in your home.

While many people are intrigued about these renewable sources of energy, it’s surprising that more people have not hopped on board. Luckily, with the introduction of certain products that make it easy to get started creating solar panels and wind power generators, the movement to create cheaper, better, energy for power is rapidly catching on.

Make it your mission to become a part of this movement so you can live “off the grid.” The cost of getting started with sun or wind energy is very small compared to what many people are paying for their monthly energy bills! It’s time to take action, and make use of renewable sources of energy instead.

Renewable wind energy is the fastest growing source of power of any renewable energy sources and technologies. With renewable wind energy, the flow of air turns wind turbines to create electricity. As the speed of the wind turning the turbines increases the amount of power the turbine produces increases as well. In areas where winds are strong, renewable wind energy is a smart choice for providing power to homes and businesses.

Even if you don’t live in a windy area, you can still supplement your current electricity supply by utilizing renewable wind energy. The best part is by using do-it-yourself guides; even the least skilled handymen can build their own windmills and start using renewable wind energy to lower their electric bills each month. However, if you do live in a particularly windy area you can feasibly generate an abundance of electricity from renewable wind energy systems.

It is also conceivable to build several wind turbines to power your renewable wind energy system. Most of us have seen the pictures of the wind farms being built to supplement power to whole cities. This is a little much for a homestead, but even small dwellings can benefit from multiple smaller wind turbines. In many states, it is possible to sell the excess electricity you generate from your renewable wind energy system back to the utilities companies.

The very best part of integrating a renewable wind energy system into your home or business is the environmental impact. Renewable wind energy produces little to no pollution, no harmful greenhouse gases and no methane or carbon dioxide-which contribute to global warming. And of course the savings those homeowners can realize after their initial investment in renewable wind energy.

It is definitely worthwhile to learn more about renewable wind energy. By building your own wind turbines you can add needed dollars to your pocket and help the environment at the same time. Renewable wind energy. Free power from the wind. Sounds beautiful, doesn’t it?

The sun is the life giving force of our existence. Solar energy, the light and heat radiated by the sun, is what feeds us, clothes us and provides means for our shelter. However, renewable solar energy can provide us with much more. Using renewable solar energy can provide both economic and environmental benefits as well.

Renewable solar energy is an excellent source of electricity. Rather than dwindling more fossil fuels to feed power plants, we can take advantage of huge savings and electricity by utilizing renewable solar energy. Renewable solar energies come with very little pollution when they convert electricity from solar panels or thermal devices. Renewable solar energies do not contribute to the effects of global warming.

Solar energy is a renewable resource. Yes, there are days when the sun doesn’t shine enough to generate electricity, but there are far more days when the sun is there and not being utilized to power our homes, businesses and workshops. Once you invest in renewable solar energy, you can save greatly on maintenance costs as most systems have no moving parts and require little upkeep.

By utilizing passive renewable solar energy, you can build a solar home that requires very low energy use. To use passive renewable solar energy you must include south facing windows in your home design, in combination with products like brick and stone that provide heat radiating thermal mass. In combination with a solar hot water system and solar electric panels you can take full advantage of renewable solar energy resources.

It is also possible to build your own solar panel and solar hot water systems for your design. By building your own components you can greatly reduce the time needed to pay for your renewable solar energy system. Building your own solar energy system also allows you to fully understand the mechanics and physics behind harnessing solar energy. This can be an educational benefit for all members of the family and building your own systems will lower the cost of your renewable solar energy household by at least half when compared to purchasing the system and having it installed professionally.

Start utilizing the power of the sun and design a plan for your renewable solar energy system. With research and elbow grease you can be on your way to a lower monthly budget and a more environmentally friendly home or business. Renewable solar energy is going to be the way of the future and the Earth will thank you.

It is true. You may have heard it and not believed it, but you can build a wind generator on your own. Even better is the large amounts of money you can save when you build a wind generator instead of purchasing one from a wholesaler or retailer. It is easy to build a wind generator with the plans and instructions available. By utilizing used auto parts, odds and ends and general supplies from your local hardware store, you can build a wind generator in no time.

You may be wondering why you should build a wind generator when you can just purchase one, but commercial wind generators cost in the thousands to buy. The materials needed to build a wind generator, the DC motor, batteries, towers and hub, are fairly inexpensive. It is possible to build a wind generator for under $500 and that means realizing the return on your investment years before you would have buying a professionally installed commercial model. Even if you invest in better quality materials when you build a wind generator, you will still find your total cost way below that of the professional installation.

Electric power generated by wind is one of the most efficient renewable power resources available. Many cities worldwide have started to convert to wind power to supplement their energy supply. It is possible to have a green energy supply by taking the time to build a wind generator. Not only are you helping the environment, but also you can save money at the same time.

It is not difficult to build a wind generator. The average do-it-yourselfer can complete this project with simple tools. There are detailed instructions and plans available to build a wind generator in your workshop or home. So build your wind generator today and put it on your roof or support pole and start generating your free power, thanks to a little breeze.

If you are thinking about purchasing a solar electricity system for your home or business then you are joining millions of other energy-conscious individuals around the world. Solar electricity systems provide reliable, pollution free energy from a renewable resource better known as the sun. Solar electricity systems are becoming more affordable as advancements are made in photovoltaic designs and construction.

Adding to the affordability, many solar electricity systems are able to participate in net metering in several states. This means that as your solar electricity system generates more power than you are using, your meter runs backwards resulting in an even swap of power that you use at other times when you exceed the power supplied by your own solar electricity system.

Before you invest in a solar electricity system for your home or business, it is best to understand exactly what you are purchasing and how solar electricity is generated. The building block of any solar electricity system is the photovoltaic cells, which are wired together to produce solar electricity modules. The electricity produced from the modules or panels is then passed through an inverter that changes the current from AC to DC, making it usable to power household appliances and the utility grid. It is often a popular choice to include batteries in a solar electricity system to store backup power to be used in times of low sun light and power outages.

It is important to realize that solar electricity systems work intermittently or only when the sun hits them. This is not a problem if you utilize battery backup systems or are connected to the grid. Installing a solar electricity system can also come with an initially high investment cost and it can take years before the system pays for itself. However, with net metering and government funded rebates, many are able to pay off systems much more quickly.

You definitely don’t need to know the physics of solar electricity systems to understand its appeal. A solar electricity system will never run out of fuel nor will it increase our dependency on foreign oil. Stop thinking about a solar electricity system for your home or business and start investing in your freedom by starting your research of solar electricity systemstoday.

Green, Greener, Greenest

Hot Tub Manufacturing has never been anywhere near GREEN, and most Hot tub companies just manufacture hot tubs, spray fiberglass and resins, use plastics and steel without much regard for the environment, except to follow EPA guidelines. The California Energy Commission (CEC), with probably the most rigid standards in the country, monitors energy efficiency and recently passed a bill called “title 20″, which sets a standard amount of allowable energy used by a portable spa/hot tub. The amount of allowable energy per the new guidelines, was not met by 65% of hot tub manufacturers who failed an independent study done by California Polytechnic State University. Softub was the only manufacturer to pass these new guidelines without having to make any changes to its manufacturing process.

Although there are some hot tubs that comply with these new regulations or have since complied with manufacturing changes, Softub is a first in the Hot Tub Industry considering its unique design, function and in its green industry standards that have been a part of the “Green Movement”, since its inception. Many states are now adopting the CEC standards and implementing these energy requirements.

Softub, formed in 1985 is one of the leading spa manufacturers worldwide and minimal changes to the product over the years including our “patented ozone water sanitation system” and our “smart chip power monitoring system” have added to this green product to make it the most energy efficient hot tub on the market.

The Softub Eco-Advantage Includes:
-California Energy Commission Registered.
-Lower Energy Bills – Plugs Into Any Standard 120 V Outlet
-The Energy Efficient Hydromate System.
-Patented Ozone Water Sanitation System.
-The SmartChip® Power Monitoring System
-Sealed, High Density Insulated Cover.
-Manufactured in a Green Facility = No Harmful VOC* levels.

Energy Efficiency - The state of California is the first governing body to adopt energy efficiency guidelines for hot tubs. Similar to fuel economy standards for automobiles, all hot tubs sold in the state of California must meet a baseline energy usage level. All Softub models operate well under the required baselines for the units.

SmartChip® Technology – The patented Softub Smartchip recognizes low power situations and shuts off your tub before any damage occurs. It is also programmed with a patented energy efficiency system. When the Smartchip senses a voltage drop it will shut down the pump. It will continue to monitor the in-coming power and will automatically restart the spa when the voltage returns to a normal level. In the event of a power outage, Smartchip automatically resets at 100 degrees. The patented “Energy Efficiency Program” monitors the filtration system. If the system filtrates during standard heating cycles, the programmed filter cycles are by-passed to save energy. If adequate filtration does not occur during heat cycles, the automatic filter cycles occur.
Thanks to the Softub Smartchip, you can run all electrical appliances normally, without fear of damaging your spa or other household appliances.

Softub Patented Ozone Water Oxidizing System – For sparkling clean water and less chemical use, all Softub units come with a built-in ozone system. In Softubs, ozone is distributed evenly through all jets as opposed to other spas that utilize only 1 jet as a delivery port. This system is the only method that controls ozone delivery throughout the entire body of water. Ozone attaches to dirty chorine and oxidizes the contaminant and makes the chlorine new again, thus utilizing fewer chemicals.

In summary, Softub has many green aspects, but simplicity of operation, durability and true portability are its biggest assets. If you enjoy a good soak rather than the noise and splashing of 57 jets and waterfalls, Softub is your tub of choice. Most hot tubs require 220 v 50Amp service that can cost between $800 and $2200 dollars to install, they require special foundations costing from $400 to $800 and the bigger the tub, the more maintenance. Softub was designed around all the complaints of hot tub users and to this day, is the most advanced hot tub on the market for therapy and/or pleasure.

You can visit Softub at: www.MontanaSoftubs.com

*Use Softub Every Day For Less Than $10/month. Softub spas are remarkably inexpensive to operate. This calculation is based upon CEC protocol, using a model 220 Softub every day for 20 minutes, with the jets on. The water temperature was maintained at 102° Fahrenheit at all times, with an ambient temperature of 60° Fahrenheit or lower. Using the national average cost of energy of $0.1097 per kWh, the monthly cost calculates to $9.12 per month.

Solar energy panels have become more affordable in recent years making it a viable alternative energy option for savvy home owners looking for savings on their monthly utility bills and the environmentally conscious who also enjoy the financial advantage, but focus more on the benefits solar energy panels have on global warming and independence from fossil fuels.

If you are a beginner to the solar electric world, then you may be wondering what exactly solar energy panels are? It is really simple and yet fascinatingly complicated. Solar energy panels are also known as photovoltaic panels; photovoltaic meaning electricity from the sun. Solar energy panels work by collecting protons from the sun, which displace neutrons, and create a flow of electrons or electricity. An inverter converts the power generated by the solar energy panels from an AC current to a DC current making it usable in homes as a direct electricity supply.

You can use solar energy panels to heat your pool, workshop tools, greenhouse lights and fans or depending on you personal electric usage, your entire home or business. Most solar energy panels are designed to last 30-40 years and require little to no maintenance. Over the life-span of solar energy panels, the energy savings realized by the owner is enough to justify the initial cost of the system and prices are dropping more and more as a larger number of consumers express interest and make the change to solar energy panels or other renewable resources.

Solar energy panels for small applications can be purchased at your local hardware stores. These small versions are ideal for outdoor lighting, small water pumps and other outdoor tools. If you are purchasing a home size or business size system of solar energy panels it would be best to seek out a local retailer of solar energy panels or a green energy retailer in your area. There is also plenty of information available online about different solar energy panel providers.

Understanding the value of solar energy panels is the first step to becoming fossil fuel independent. As our traditional energy resources are falling into exhaustion, now is the best time to look in to solar energy panels for your home or business.

Getting home solar electricity is more affordable today than 10 years ago. In fact, many state governments are currently offering tax rebates to persons that choose to convert to home solar electricity. If installing a photovoltaic system to supply your home solar electricity is too far out of your financial abilities, there are also programs available to purchase your utilities from an accredited green energy supplier. Green energy suppliers offer only utilities fueled by renewable resources, such as solar electricity, hydroelectricity and wind generated electricity. However, if you made the decision to switch to solar electricity for your home it is important to determine your electricity needs before you start shopping.

The first thing to determine is how much power you will need from your home solar electricity system. Different arrays and solar panel set-ups offer different wattage outputs. Take the time to determine your average daily electricity usage. You want to achieve a number that includes the entire year and affords for the different amount of energy used during winter and summer months (more lights, heaters, air conditioners).

When shopping for the right photovoltaic system to supply your home solar electricity definitely research the quality of the product. A product offering 13% efficiency and a lifetime warranty will be far more valuable than the panel offering 15% efficiency and a one-year warranty. Ask neighbors, friends and even strangers currently using home solar electricity, to learn more about the differences in systems. Sufficient time should also be spent interviewing installers and researching manufacturers as well.

A final decision needs to be made as to what kind of system you would like to use to supply your home solar electricity. There are generally three types of solar panel systems used to supply home solar electricity. The first type is a grid-tied system in which your solar panels are tied into your current power meter. You are using both electricity supplied by your panels and your supply is then backed by electricity from your electric company. The second available solar panel system for supplying home solar electricity is a grid-tie with battery backup. With this system you are collecting electricity from you panels, filling your batteries for emergencies and then the excess is sent back to the electric company through your meter. The final system is a stand-alone system. Very similar to the grid-tied system with battery backup except that you are completely disconnected or maybe never connected to a major utility provider for your area.

Once you educate yourself on providing your home solar electricity, you are probably ready to start shopping. Remember that converting to home solar electricity is an investment and you will reap the rewards over time. And don’t forget the pride you will have with reducing your carbon footprint by converting to home solar electricity

When asked about alternative energy or renewable energy, most people think of solar electricity. Generating electricity from the sun is a technology that everyone knows well. Whether it is your pocket calculator, home, or workshop, regardless of your power needs, solar electricity can get the job done.

Solar electricity has a number of unique advantages over conventional or grid-based electricity. Solar electric systems can be designed for a variety of applications and are extremely beneficial in remote areas where other electric opportunities do not exist. In addition, photovoltaic systems that generate solar electricity have no moving parts therefore requiring minimal maintenance, are easily expandable, and with many smaller units, transportable.

Environmental compatibility is a huge selling point for converting to solar electricity. The fuel for generating solar electricity is a free renewable resource, the sun. Solar electricity offers no noise pollution and actually almost no pollution from their operation. Another appealing factor for many who choose solar electricity over conventional electricity is simply the independence. It is an attractive offer to many rural dwellers to know that when the lights go out due to storms or blackouts, theirs are still working. No longer a slave to waiting on hold to report an outage to find it will be 10 hours before their service will be restored.

The hardest part of converting to solar electricity is the cost of the system. Investing in a solar energy system can be a substantial upfront cost. The value of solar electricity is realized over several years. A professionally installed solar array for an average dwelling (avg. $100/month in electric bills) could pay for itself in 5 years. You could reduce that number by building your own solar panel system or by purchasing a used system. With many solar energy systems in less rural areas and only in some states, you can sell your unused solar electricity back to the electric company. In these situations the return on your investment is realized much more quickly.

Using the power of sun with solar electricity is a benefit to the environment and to your home. Solar electricity is already being used to supplement power for a number of large cities in North America. Take time to learn more about solar electricity and how you can have trade in your electric bill for a carefree life with solar electricityhref=”http://zootown.homemadeen.hop.clickbank.net/”>solar electricity.

With energy resources dwindling fast and global warming changing climates across the globe, more people look towards renewable energies for reducing their carbon footprint. However, even the most environmentally passionate person cannot pursue such endeavors without the proper financial resources. The professional installation of a solar energy system can cost in the thousands, so many resourceful individuals are turning to the many great resources that help you build your own solar panel.

It is possible to completely build your own solar panel, but for the most part, these panels are small and do not produce the wattage necessary to power more than a simple lamp and only for a couple of minutes. The most effective way to produce power from the sun, when you can’t afford to hire the professionals, would be with a solar panel kit. These build your own solar panel kits come with everything you need to successfully build your own solar panel in the comfort of your living room, or the garage may be a wiser choice.

Surprisingly, build your own solar panel kits are not difficult to find. With large companies like GE producing these kits, the build your own solar panel sets are very affordable and offer quicker return on your investment than purchasing and professionally installing a solar energy system. In general the instructions are easy to follow, even for teens and children, and in no time you are on your way to your own solar power system.

If you are looking to build your own solar panel there are a numerous resources and guides available to help you through the process. By involving the whole family in the building process, every one will learn how a solar power system works and exactly how the components are put together. Also, when you build your own solar panel you are giving yourself the knowledge to expand your system on your own, without calling back the installers, and the ability to adapt your current system to meet new design needs.

Making the choice to build your own solar panel is a great investment for your future and the world’s future. Start making your own power at home and take advantage of this great way to educate yourself while saving money and helping the environment and learn how to build your own solar panel today.